• 🐕 Understand what the fat pet gap is

• 🍔 How diet impacts a dog's energy level 

• 🦴 Stella keeps getting stuck and we can't get enough  

• ❤️ A special word from our pups

Did you know…

Joke: What do my dog and my phone have in common?

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Vets have noticed a bigger problem with pet obesity in recent years, and it’s important to understand what a healthy weight is for your dog. Health trends in dogs are starting to mirror those in humans. In the US, a study showed that around 59% of pets suffer from an obesity problem. Another concern is that 1 in 3 pet parents do not recognize their pet’s weight problem. 

The “fat pet gap” is a mindset named by Dr. Ernie Ward, the founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. It describes the blindness that some pet owners have in their pets’ health because they love them so much and believe they are just perfect. The best thing you can do as a pet parent is listen to your vet. Acting quickly is important if they are concerned with your dog’s weight.

Your vet can help you choose a diet plan for your dog to get them back on track. Once you’ve figured out the right nutrition plan, you can slowly focus on increasing your pup’s exercise amounts. Depending on the breed and age, dogs should get 30 minutes to two hours of exercise each day. 

Understanding your dog’s ideal weight and working to get them there will help your dog stay healthy longer and avoid some of the most preventable health issues. It’s our responsibility as dog owners to keep our animals healthy. 

Food is what gives you energy, and your dog is no different. The right diet can help give your dog the energy they need for their playtime and daily walks. Dogs need a balanced diet; the amounts are determined by breed, age, and size. Puppies are growing and require a different mix of food than adult dogs.

In addition to meals, treats contribute to nutrition and can complement a well-balanced diet. High-quality treats like jerky, chews, and collagen can provide extra nutrients. Understanding the right balance for your pup can ensure you select the best food to keep them energized and healthy. The key nutrients are proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Certain superfoods, like blueberries, spinach, and pumpkin, can be added to give dogs a boost.

When you’re working on your dog’s diet, it’s good to get on a feeding schedule. Keep the times consistent for your dog's meals. Most adult dogs do well with two meals daily, but puppies might need more. Understand the proper portion size for your dog. If you have any concerns about energy levels or nutrition, consult your vet and consider changing your dog’s food.

Stella is a Labrador pup who absolutely loves adventuring. The problem is that she sometimes stops somewhere on her adventure and gets “stuck.”

Her owner shared this hilarious video showcasing some of the random and weird spots where Stella found herself stuck and didn’t want to (or couldn’t) get out. We love a good sense of humor in our dog videos.

Daily Dig is inspired and brought to you by our wonderful dogs. Our dogs, and all the other pups out there, make the world a happier, brighter place. ❤️

With lots of love,

Stitcher, Minnie, & Finnegan 🐾

🦴 A Little Treat

🤔 Did You Know: Answer: They both have collar I.D.

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